Central Texas News

• Physical symptoms of sinusitis include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, congestion, headaches and pain or swelling in the face.
• People who have chronic sinusitis are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure used to clear blocked sinuses.

Chronic sinusitis is a very common condition. Studies have found that people who suffer from chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, Physicians Weekly reported. 

"Studies have shown that there's an increased correlation of major depressive disorders with chronic rhinosinusitis," Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Central Texas News. People just don't feel  good when they suffer from this condition, and it makes sense that that tends to get people down over time. And I think, also the fact that people don't get it, doctors don't get it, friends don't get it, they don't understand. That also tends to push people down that pathway. I'm not surprised by the association."

One study compared a group of 16,224 people who were treated for chronic sinusitis with a group of 32,448 "similar people" who did not have sinus problems. The study found that over the next 11 years, sinusitis sufferers were more than 50% more likely to develop depression or anxiety.

Chronic sinusitis is a health concern leading millions of Americans to the hospital every year. The condition affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chronic sinusitis is the cause of 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits each year.

Prominent symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore throat, bad breath or fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic.

There are procedures available to help patients improve their condition once chronic sinusitis has been diagnosed.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It’s also commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure, according to Healthline. 

The surgery is becoming more popular because it carries lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery, according to GoodRx. The procedure does not require the removal of any bones or facial tissue, leading to less pain and swelling and a lower risk of infection. After a balloon sinuplasty, many people can return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home after the procedure.

If you're looking for more information on diagnosis or treatment of chronic sinusitis, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.